Cadillac Escalade IQ EV is first-class luxury without the emissions
Cadillac joins the super EV SUV wars with 2025 Escalade IQ
Around three months ago, Cadillac announced that it was developing an all-electric version of the Escalade. While the automaker only released a single teaser image at the time, the electric SUV aptly named Escalade IQ will be the first to use General Motors' Ultium battery technology and promises the same commitment to craftsmanship, technology, and performance.
Fast forward to the month of August and Cadillac has officially revealed the full-size luxury electric SUV. Feast your eyes on the 2025 Cadillac Escalade IQ and its sleek bodywork. The brand's first full-size SUV debuts GM's EV architecture called the Ultium platform, which features the Ultifi software platform that supports and delivers over-the-air updates.
With an emphasis on delivering the signature Cadillac presence in the age of electrification, the automaker decided to change up its looks. It has a more aerodynamic rear end reminiscent of the Lyriq while the front fascia gets a black crystal shield grille which is also shared with the Cadillac Lyriq. Also worth mentioning are the vertical LED headlights & taillights, the illuminated Cadillac badge, and the unique LED lights on the grille.
Since it doesn't have an engine and a traditional drivetrain, Cadillac engineers were able to push the wheels further out, allowing the Escalade IQ to have a more planted and discerning stance. Huge 24-inch alloy wheels fill up the wheel wells and are aerodynamically optimized to further increase the vehicle's efficiency. Rounding up the exterior features are the illuminated door handles, automatically-opening doors, and a motorized cover that opens up to the charging port located at the back.
Size-wise, the Escalade IQ measures 5697mm long, 2389mm wide, 1934mm tall, and has a 3460mm wheelbase. Since it doesn't have an engine, under the hood is what Cadillac calls the “frunk.” It is a carpeted compartment with 345 liters of storage space.
Climb aboard the electric Escalade and a bevy of high-resolution displays greet the passengers. There's a 55-inch curved display, with the first 35 inches dedicated to serve as the instrument cluster and the infotainment system, while the remaining 20-inches is dedicated to the front passenger.
Did we mention the system supports Google apps which means you download and access your favorite apps like Google Assistant, Google Maps, and more? There's also an additional 11-inch touchscreen placed on the center console which acts as the command center. It can control the vehicle's climate control and various settings.
Not to be left out, the rear passengers also has their own 12.6-inch media displays at the back thanks to the Executive Second-Row Seating package. It even has a center console, individual seating, tray tables, dual wireless smartphone charging pads, as well as USB-C and HDMI ports. Other key features present include an AKG Studio sound system that's available in 19-, 36-, and 40-speaker setups, a power-folding third-row seat that might not see much use, and a full-leather interior.
At the heart of the Cadillac Escalade IQ is a dual-motor powertrain that has a 200 kWh Ultium battery pack. On a full charge, Cadillac estimates the SUV can travel a distance of 724 km before needing a recharge. The pair of electric motors give extra power to the all-wheel drive to give it a total system output of 689 PS and 834 Nm of torque. In Velocity Max Mode, the output goes up to a hair-raising 760 PS and 1,063 Nm of torque.
On full tilt, the Escalade IQ can go from 0 - 97 km/h in less than five seconds and it can tow up to 3,629 kg. In case you need to power up external devices or appliances while on the go, the SUV has a vehicle-to-load (V2L) feature too.
The Cadillac Escalade has become the embodiment of excess and bling for the past several years. And with the arrival of the all-electric Escalade IQ, the SUV has undergone an evolution that still delivers the signature Cadillac luxury, only this time, it has zero emissions.
